IELTS - Academic
The IELTS Academic test is used to measure your English ability, conducted by the British Council and Cambridge University. There are testing centers worldwide, and the scores are often used for high school, college and university entrance into schools in Europe, Australia and even the US and Canada. Overseas jobs with English requirements also use the IELTS, such as nursing jobs in Australia and Europe.
IELTS Test Sections
The IELTS Academic test consists for four sections:
| Section | # Questions | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Listening | 4 parts, 40 questions | 30 min |
| 2 | Reading | 3 readings, 40 questions | 60 min |
| 3 | Writing | 2 essays, 2 questions | 60 min |
| 4 | Speaking | 3 parts | 11-14 min |
Listening Section
| Description | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Conversation between two people set in an everyday social context. |
| 2 | Monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities. |
| 3 | Conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment. |
| 4 | Monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture. |
Reading Section
3 Long Reading Texts and questions
- Texts are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers, and have been written for a non-specialist audience. All the topics are of general interest.
- They deal with issues which are interesting, recognisably appropriate and accessible to test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration.
- The passages may be written in a variety of styles, for example narrative, descriptive or discursive/argumentative.
- At least one text contains detailed logical argument.
- Texts may contain non-verbal materials such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations.
Writing Section
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | You will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event. |
| 2 | You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style. |
Speaking Section
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes. |
| 2 | You will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic. |
| 3 | You will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These will give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes. |
Test Scores
IELTS results are reported on a 9-band scale, are designed to be simple and easy to understand. They are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest).
Each of the 4 sections are weighted equally, and scores between 1 and 9, at increments of 0.5. Some schools and jobs require a minimum for a particular section and an overall avg grade. For example, a university may require an overall average of 7.5, with no section being lower than 6.5.
| Band score | Skill level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good user | The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent user | The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest user | The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field. |
| 4 | Limited user | The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
Applying for an IELTS test and fees
The IELTS Academic Test examination fee is approximately $200 USD.
In India, the IELTS examination fee is about ₹ 12,000 - 14,000, depending on where you take the test.
To register for an IELTS test:
- Go to the IELTS website Registration Page
- Choose the nearest or most convenient testing location near you
- Download and fill out the online application form
- Choose the date convenient to you, in the city of your choice
- You could also directly visit their offices and complete the register in person.
- You will then be contacted via email regarding venue location on your preferred date.
Where can I take the IELTS Test?
There are over 1,100 IELTS test locations in over 140 countries. You can find a location by going to the offical IELTS website found here.
In India, the British Council and IDP facilitate test centres for candidates. The British Council offers tests in 42 locations across the country, while IDP has presence in 40 cities, including Thimphu in Bhutan.
Once you register on their sites for the exam, you will be asked to select your city and date on which you wish to take the test. Five days prior to your scheduled test date, you will get venue details on email.
General Tips and Hints
If you are looking for a quick practice just to get ready for the IELTS, take 2 - 4 weeks to get yourself familiar with the test. The test is 2.5 hours in length, and requires practice to get used to. Our advice is to do at least 2 mock tests to familiarize yourself with the questions and time control.
The writing section is the hardest part to improve, and requires much practice. There are two issues for students that will greatly affect your mark:
- Writing style - most coaching institutes and books will tell help you to improve your style
- Content - most schools do not enhance your problem solving skills and answer direction, greatly affecting your mark.
How Should I Practice?
First, take a mock test, and see what your approximate scores are, and areas of improvement.
If your practice time is short term (less than 1 month):
- Concentrate on completing 2-3 mock tests, aim for 1 mock test every 3 days.
- On other days, choose specific review and practice to a particular section. Work on your weak areas, to gain the most score in the shortest time possible.
If your practice time is long term (more than 1 month):
- Start practicing with section specific practice, and build true skills of not only test taking, but English ability
- Take section-based mock tests to see your improvement
- Take a mock test once every month, and at least 2 or 3 mock tests before the exam.
How Much Time Do I Need?
Studying abroad is very expensive! It's always better to go best preparing at home as studying in India will invariably be the best for you. Not only is it cheaper, it will also allow you to maximize your study time and experience abroad. Moreover, having a better English ability before going abroad, allows you to learn even more, and make better use of your time abroad.
Many students regret not spending more time practicing their English ability at home, as this would have saved time, money and effort while abroad!
Preparing for Studying Abroad (High School, College, Undergraduate)
- if you are preparing to study abroad, remember that many people in China, Korea, Japan spend a year or more preparing for applications. In many cases, English practice begins quickly, starting in grade 10, to prepare for grade 11, 12 or undergraduate studies abroad.
Preparing for Studying Abroad (Graduate)
- Families preparing their children for graduate school start practice in high school. This allows their children to be best prepared after graduation from an Indian University, and have the English test practice and basics to begin practice of other tests such as the GRE and GMAT.
Mock Tests and Practice
With our network of coaching institutes, publishers and key experience, we offer the best practice, expert help and products to help you.
For those who need a short-term quick overview to prepare for the test
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- 15 Additional Section Mock Tests (6 free)
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Full Package 7 Mock Test + Bonus Practice
More Practice means a better mark!
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Essay Writing Correcting 3 Mock Test Essay Corrections (6 Essay Total) + Bonus Practice
- 3 Mock Test Corrections (6 Essays, corrected by instructor)
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